by Anna Lee ’08

Jysaiah Cromer ’23
Cromer is an environmental facilitator at Milliken Chemical, where he oversees nonhazardous and hazardous waste shipments, conducts regular audits of environmentally protected areas and ensures Milliken’s biological wastewater treatment plant follows federal Clean Water Act mandates. “I keep us in compliance with the EPA and other agencies to make sure we don’t discharge any chemicals into the environment so we can keep it thriving and beautiful,” Cromer says. He credits the biology department for shifting his career path from pre-medicine to water resource management and conservation. “My passion for that turned into my career.”

Hunt Grafe ’23
Grafe is an acquisitions analyst for The Beach Company in Charleston, S.C. He plays a key role in evaluating the viability of multifamily, industrial, retail, mixed-use and office property investment opportunities. Grafe says he’s grateful for the one-on-one attention and instruction he received from Wofford faculty, including Dr. Philip Swicegood, who helped develop his understanding of real estate investment, and Dr. Jim Stevens, who sponsored his self-proposed Interim to receive a South Carolina real estate license. “They personally supported me through every step of my journey, and for that I am forever grateful,” Grafe says.

Alexander Hernandez ’25
Hernandez is a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, South America, where he supports youth community health initiatives. “I am the bridge between my city’s local health post and the middle and high school students, who need more education on topics like healthy eating, exercise and substance abuse,” he says. One of the reasons Hernandez applied for the post was to become fluent in Spanish. “Wofford taught me to be curious about the world, and I’ve realized that cultural exchange is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons and learn in even richer ways.”

Mac McAlhany ’23
McAlhany is assistant director of development and leadership giving at the Longhorn Foundation, the official fundraising arm of the University of Texas Athletics. “My role involves soliciting major gifts that support scholarships, facilities and key initiatives while ensuring donors feel connected to the impact of their giving,” he says. As a student, McAlhany was a member of the Men’s Glee Club, manager of the men’s and women’s basketball teams and an intern for the Terrier Club. “Wofford’s community presented so many opportunities for me to find what I am passionate about.”

Olivia Pechin ’25
Pechin works as a fine art consultant at Benjamin Walls Gallery in Asheville, N.C. “My primary responsibility is to inspire the guests with the artist’s mission of connecting people to the natural world,” she says. Pechin also works in a sales capacity, assisting customers with art purchases and fine wine selections. She credits Wofford’s art history department, especially Dr. Youmi Efurd, Dr. Gillian Young and Dr. Karen Goodchild, for helping her gain valuable insight into the art world. “That hands-on experience directly prepared me for the responsibilities I now undertake at the gallery.”

Mae Webster ’23
Webster teaches seventh and eighth grade science at Spartanburg Day School. “Building relationships with the kids and getting to be the middle school teacher that I needed when I was their age has been so rewarding,” she says. Webster says working at the Spartanburg Science Center as a Bonner Scholar helped her prepare for her new role and credits Dr. Jennifer Bradham for being her biggest cheerleader, friend and mentor. “I’ll never be able to thank the friends I made in the environmental studies department enough for the impact they made on my life.”